The Catholic Church and Mining: Types of Responses

The increase in global demand for mineral resources with the energy transition and military expansion is likely to intensify the consequences of mining, such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, soil, water and air contamination, violation of civil, political and labour rights, loss of livelihoods, and health damage. The paper analyses responses of the Catholic Church to the challenges which arise from mining. Based on a series of consultations with cross-continental actors, its aim is to offer a typology of responses in order to better understand what is currently taking place and inform the work of other actors in addressing the socio-ecological consequences of mining. The paper examines five types of intertwined responses: 1) Accompaniment of mining-affected populations, which is the starting point of all responses; 2) Mediation of experience through theological and organizational resources and international policy frameworks; 3) Documentation of what is happening, or likely to happen; 4) Education and formation to address the structural causes of social and ecological degradation at a multi-scalar level; and 5) Advocacy for policy and institutional change, including alternative modes of economic development. The paper concludes by discussing some shortcomings in these responses, as well as avenues for broad-based coalitions.